"the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
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- Do you guys think Kira and her mom look alike? XD -

The weekend passes quickly, which Kira spends most of in her room. She might be living here for the time being, but this place isn't her home, and she isn't keen on forgetting that. It brings her comfort knowing she won't be here forever. Her goal isn't to become a ninja—she's here to become one with her powers (whatever they are) and by extension her father. As soon as that happens, her curiosity will be satisfied, and she can go home.

Misako (Lloyd's mother, as she'd learned) had given her a tour of the Monastery the day after her arrival. She'd even wanted to sew the girl her own suit like the other Ninja. Kira had promised it wasn't necessary, but the older woman insisted on taking her measurements anyway. "Just in case she changes her mind" were her words.

Then, finally, Monday arrives.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Master Wu bangs a gong as he marches into Kira's quarters, the sound reverberating through the room and jolting Kira from her sleep. The girl groans and rolls over in bed, clamping her pillow over her head.

"Come on, Kira!" chirps Wu. "Up, up, up!"

"This early?" she mumbles with a yawn.

"Ah, look at your progress. You've already learned your first lesson," he teases. "An Elemental Master must be ready for anything. That includes waking up early."

Kira drops her pillow and face-plants into it. "Five more minutes..." She stiffens at the sound of clucking. Her eyes fly open to see the chicken standing at the edge of the bed, glaring at her with beady eyes.

"Okay, okay! I'm up!" She practically leaps from her bed, standing at attention before her Sensei.

Wu chuckles. "That's the spirit. Come, get dressed and eat something...you won't need athletic clothing for today. I expect to see you in the courtyard in twenty minutes."

The look in the chicken's eyes tells Kira exactly what will happen if she's late. She gulps and nods as Wu and his pet leave the room.

"Never in my life did I think I'd be terrified of a bird," she mutters as she grabs some clothes from her dresser. She makes her way to the bathroom, speeds her way through her morning routine, and leaves just as quickly.

The voices of the others reach her as she hurries to the kitchen, and she takes a moment to breathe before forcing herself into the room. The scent of eggs and bacon hangs in the air, and judging by the fact it isn't burnt, she guesses Cole didn't cook it. The Ninja and Misako converse at the table, along with a newcomer she doesn't recognize—another android, this one more feminine-looking. She looks up as Kira enters, revealing glowing green eyes and purple circuit patterns etched across her face.

"Oh, good morning." Her voice is kind and even. "You must be Kira. My name is Pixal. I apologize for not meeting you sooner...I've been busy in the Hangar Bay these past few days."

"Nice to meet you," Kira nods. With a glance at Zane, she adds, "Are you two...related?"

"No." A fond smile crosses the android's face. "But we are very close." Kira takes the hint and grins.

"Uh, are you gonna keep standing there?" Kai asks. In the morning light, his amber eyes and the scratches on his face make him look rather intimidating. "You can come sit down, y'know. We don't bite...well, Jay might."

"That was one time!" Jay protests. "And I only bit you because you had me in a headlock during training!"

"Don't mind them." Nya shakes her head, giving Kira a tired but amused smile. "Come sit down, girly. There's a spot between me and Lloyd." The new girl obliges.

"So, first day of training, huh?" Lloyd's emerald eyes shine as he gazes at her. "How are you feeling?"

"Um, great!" Kira fakes a smile, hoping that'll satisfy him and he'll stop talking to her. A stab of guilt hits her as she remembers the last time they'd interacted.

"You're totally freaking out, aren't you?" Kai calls her out immediately. She nods shyly. "Eh, I don't blame you. I remember when I first started training. Man, Master Wu really kicked my as—" He trails off when he notices Misako frowning at him. "...uh, butt. Yeah. That's what I meant to say."

"Nice save," Cole mutters through a mouthful of eggs. Misako nods in agreement as she gets up to fetch Kira some food.

"Hey, let's try to be a little more positive, okay?" Jay interrupts. He flashes Kira a bright smile, his electric blue eyes sparkling. "Don't worry, Kira. You're gonna do great!"

"I concur." Zane nods with a grin. "Nerves are completely natural, but you mustn't let them get to you. As long as you keep a positive mindset, you'll be successful no matter that you do."

"Master Zane, spittin' straight wisdom!" laughs Cole.

"And, if it makes you feel any better, everyone in this room was once where you are: a beginner," Misako adds as she gives Kira a plate of food. "Just look at my son. He was just a little boy when he started out...well, he'll always be my little boy." She stoops down and ruffles Lloyd's hair.

"Moooom!" The Green Ninja whines, his face flushing as he swats at her hands. The others snicker, feigning interest in their food when he shoots them a look.

"Thank you all." Kira forces a polite smile, already feeling overwhelmed. She scarfs her breakfast down and rushes from the room before anything else can be said.

Fresh morning air greets her as she hurries into the courtyard. Although it's mostly warm and humid out, the atmosphere is tinged with the first hints of autumn chill. Master Wu waits for her in the middle of the space, seated on the ground.

"Ah, there you are. Please, take a seat." Kira obeys, sitting on her knees before him with her hands folded neatly in her lap. When she's settled, Wu continues. "My pupils will teach you the art of combat. I, on the other hand, intend to help you with the deeper aspects of your training...not what is physical, but what is within you. In order to become an Elemental Master, you must be sharp in mind and spirit as well as body. Your powers will not manifest if you are not at one with yourself."

"I understand...I think," she replies, shifting in place slightly.

The old man chuckles. "Your father was just as confused when I taught him these lessons. He seemed a bit more enthused about learning, however."

Kira winces. Does she not seem excited enough? She bows her head. "I'm sorry, Master."

Wu has to hold back an amused snort. "I was only teasing you, my pupil."

She looks back up, an embarrassed red decorating her face. "Oh! Sorry..."

"Such tenderness...you truly are your father's daughter." His eyes gleam as they stare directly into hers. "Focus now, Kira Desarin, and prepare yourself. Today, you will face your greatest foe."

"Um...what?" The girl swallows, suddenly feeling extremely on edge. "I'm going to have to fight? Who?"

Wu's expression is grim. "Yes...today you will face a very dangerous enemy. To stand a fighting chance, you must summon your elemental power, and to do that you must look within. Be at one with yourself, as I said." His eyes narrow, making her tense. "It's only a matter of time before the enemy reveals itself. Quickly now, focus. Find your center, your inner power. Will it into existence."

Kira's eyes flutter shut. She breathes in and out, trying her hardest to relax, and attempts to reach deep into her soul. She feels and senses nothing.

"I...I can't do it, Master," she whispers.

"Keep trying."

"But—"

Wu cuts her off with a firm look. The girl sighs and obeys, only to huff with frustration when nothing happens yet again.

Kira Desarin, you are hopeless.

Nevertheless, she keeps going, although the voice in her head continues to taunt her.

Unbeknownst to the sensei and student, they've got an audience. Hidden behind the screen door are the Ninja, peeping at them through the slightly-cracked entrance.

"Cole, I can't see!" whispers Jay. "What are they doing?"

"She's just...sitting there," he responds. "Wu's talking to her. He's saying something about some enemy coming to attack her."

"Enemy? Move over, let me see!" The two of them jostle each other, bickering quietly as they struggle to gain the better viewing spot. Nya has to separate and shush them before they get too loud.

"Are you sure we should be spying on them?" Zane stands a few steps back, arms crossed and expression hesitant. "This is technically an invasion of privacy."

"We aren't spying," Kai says with a wink. "We're just...observing. Making sure nothing goes wrong. If Wu is right and something is coming for her, we can rush in to help, right?"

"Whatever helps you sleep at night," his sister mutters.

"Anyway, while we wait...how are we feelin' about the new chick?"

"Is it just me, or is she kinda weird?" whispers Jay. "Not in a bad way. She's just really nervous. And quiet."

"Of course you'd think that, Motormouth," Cole teases, chuckling when the blue ninja pouts at him. "I don't blame her, though. It seems like she hasn't really been around other people before."

"She seems so...well, lonely," murmurs Nya. "It's a shame. She's a pretty girl."

"Eh, she's alright," her brother responds. "She's no Skylor, that's for sure."

"When was the last time you two even talked?"

The slightest hint of guilt twists his face. "Um...let's change the subject."

The others chat on, but it's all just noise to Lloyd. He arches a brow as he watches their new guest. Sure, she is a little strange, but...in an endearing sort of way. When they'd (literally) run into each other the other day, there was a sort of innocence to her, awkward but charming. Maybe it's because he's surrounded by a bunch of talkative adoptive siblings, but he's never met someone so quiet and reclusive. He wonders if she'll ever open up to them.

"Hey, earth to Lloyd!" Jay's voice snaps him from his thoughts.

"Oh! Uh, what?"

"Did you hear anything we said, ya green dork? We were asking what you think about Kira."

"I think she has potential," he answers. "She's just going through some changes, and she needs time to get used to them. So let's all try to make her feel welcome as best as we can, okay?"

"Sure, if she ever leaves her room for more than an hour," Kai scoffs, crossing his arms. "She's been holed up in there since she got here."

"I'm sure she's just adjusting," says Zane. "Perhaps in time, she will reveal herself to us."

"And what are you six doing?" Misako's voice makes them all jump and spin around. Kai almost shrieks, startled, but Zane clamps a hand over his mouth in the nick of time.

"We're Kira watching," Jay says, jerking his thumb toward the screen door.

"Well, doesn't that sound creeptastic?" mutters Cole.

"You all really should give them some privacy." Misako shakes her head, eyes glinting with amusement.

"But what if something goes wrong?" Nya protests. "We—"

"If anything happens, Wu can handle it. Now go on, leave them be."

The Ninja all groan with disappointment, but one firm look from the older woman sends them scurrying away like mice. Lloyd lingers, flashing one last concerned look through the screen door, before following them.

Meanwhile, Kira continues her struggle. Something or someone is lurking, preying on her, and she's totally defenseless. She prays for something, anything to happen—some sort of spark, epiphany, or at least for something to feel different. But as the day goes on, nothing happens. Even hours later, when the sun has begun to set, there's no sign of her power. What's more, whoever this opponent of hers is, they don't show up.

Maybe they got tired of waiting for you and went home, she muses to herself. It doesn't cheer her up.

Her first day of training was a waste.

"I'm sorry, Master." She bows her head at last, face growing hot with shame. "I failed."

"On the contrary, Kira. Although you were not victorious, today you faced your greatest foe."

Her head snaps up and she stares at him, confused. "I did?"

"Think about it. Who was the one person that held you back? Who convinced you that you couldn't be successful?"

The realization strikes her like a ton of bricks. 

"It's me. I'm my greatest foe."

"Precisely. And in realizing this, we have found your weakness." Wu's eyes bore into her. "You lack confidence, Kira. You doubt yourself rather than believe. Such feelings will only hold you back. If you are ever going to become an Elemental Master, you must let go of the doubt and fear you harbor...only then will your heart be free."

"How?" she blurts. "I spent my whole life believing I was no one...no one special, anyhow. How do I unlearn everything I've come to believe?"

"It's far easier said than done. But if you wish to succeed, you'll find a way." Wu rises to his feet and heads for the doors. "That's all for today. Tomorrow, we start anew."

Kira stares dumbly after him, still processing all that's happened. A few moments pass before she sighs, running a tired hand through the waves of her hair as she gazes at the ground.

What in Ninjago have I gotten myself into?